Students from various Georgian universities participated in the “Human Chain for Victory” action on Sunday, expressing their opposition to the “foreign agents” bill, reports Echo Kavkaza.
The protest began at Europe Square in Tbilisi, where students linked hands to form a human chain around the square. They then marched to Rustaveli Avenue, where another demonstration against the ‘Russian Law’ was scheduled to take place in front of the parliament later that evening.
Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the government hears their voices.🇬🇪#Tbilisi: żywy łańcuch na Moście Pokoju utworzony przez protestujących przeciwko "rosyjskiej ustawie" ciągnie się aż do Placu Wolności
— Biełsat (@Bielsat_pl) May 19, 2024
🎥Paper Kartuli pic.twitter.com/pscOhrZayw
The foreign agents bill, often referred to as the “Russian law,” has sparked widespread protests in Georgia for over a month. Critics argue that it would enable the government to dismantle civil society and usher in Russian-style authoritarianism.
Opponents also warn that the bill could lead to Georgia falling back under Russian influence, noting that its adoption is already causing significant strain in relations with Western nations. Georgian authorities, however, insist the bill is about “transparency and defending sovereignty.” They have labeled their critics as the Global War Party and accused "external forces" of orchestrating the protests.
On Saturday, President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the controversial bill. However, the ruling party has enough votes to override the presidential veto.
Repressions
Georgian activist Nata Peradze was forced to leave the country with her family due to the threat of arrest on charges of plotting a coup, reported Apsny.ge on Sunday.
“I learned that Nata Peradze had to leave the country with her family because plans were made to arrest her on charges of an attempted coup. Friends, this is nothing different from what is happening in Belarus! Friends, the Putin dictatorship in Russia did not start any differently! Friends, people lose their homeland in this way: first individuals, then all patriots must leave the country,” emphasized Nika Gvaramia, founder of the opposition TV channel Mtavari.
Apsny.ge highlighted that Peradze has been a vocal opponent of the foreign agents bill.
Kavkazsky Uzel reported that on May 10, Peradze released surveillance footage showing several men placing posters on the fence of her home and writing “enemy of the people” on her car. Despite her efforts, she was unable to get police assistance for several hours. She also reported receiving threats over the phone.
In January, Peradze splashed paint on an icon depicting Joseph Stalin and Matrona of Moscow, an Orthodox saint. The following day, a group of individuals in Tbilisi attacked her, threatening to “do what the state and law could not.” In February, she was sentenced to five days of administrative detention.
Opponents also warn that the bill could lead to Georgia falling back under Russian influence, noting that its adoption is already causing significant strain in relations with Western nations. Georgian authorities, however, insist the bill is about “transparency and defending sovereignty.” They have labeled their critics as the Global War Party and accused "external forces" of orchestrating the protests.
On Saturday, President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the controversial bill. However, the ruling party has enough votes to override the presidential veto.
Repressions
Georgian activist Nata Peradze was forced to leave the country with her family due to the threat of arrest on charges of plotting a coup, reported Apsny.ge on Sunday.
“I learned that Nata Peradze had to leave the country with her family because plans were made to arrest her on charges of an attempted coup. Friends, this is nothing different from what is happening in Belarus! Friends, the Putin dictatorship in Russia did not start any differently! Friends, people lose their homeland in this way: first individuals, then all patriots must leave the country,” emphasized Nika Gvaramia, founder of the opposition TV channel Mtavari.
Apsny.ge highlighted that Peradze has been a vocal opponent of the foreign agents bill.
Kavkazsky Uzel reported that on May 10, Peradze released surveillance footage showing several men placing posters on the fence of her home and writing “enemy of the people” on her car. Despite her efforts, she was unable to get police assistance for several hours. She also reported receiving threats over the phone.
In January, Peradze splashed paint on an icon depicting Joseph Stalin and Matrona of Moscow, an Orthodox saint. The following day, a group of individuals in Tbilisi attacked her, threatening to “do what the state and law could not.” In February, she was sentenced to five days of administrative detention.
Source: TVP World, PAP
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